Layer Signs Johnson to Scholarship Agreement

James Johnson (center) has signed a scholarship agreement to attend Liberty University during the 2014-15 academic year.

Head Liberty Men's Basketball Coach Dale Layer has announced the signing of James Johnson for the 2014-15 academic year.

Johnson (Forward, Jr., 6-10, 235, San Diego, Calif.) will make his way to the "Hill City" after transferring from San Diego State. Prior to suiting up for the Aztecs, Johnson spent his freshman year at Virginia. The big man will be eligible to take the court for the Flames during the upcoming season.

"We are thrilled to welcome James to our program," Layer stated. "He is a very versatile and skilled player, who can score in several ways. I look forward to working with him and having him contribute to next year's team."

This past season, Johnson played 17 games for the Aztecs, who reached the Sweet 16 before falling to No. 1 seed Arizona during the 2014 NCAA Tournament. The forward averaged over nine minutes a game, finishing with 31 points (1.8 ppg) and 25 rebounds (1.5 rpg) on the year. Johnson's point total included a season-high eight points in a 90-64 win over Mountain West foe San Jose State on Feb. 25.

During the 2012-13 campaign, Johnson became eligible in midseason, playing 13 games. Johnson sat out the 2011-12 season after transferring from Virginia. As a member of the Cavaliers, the California native played six games, averaging 1.5 points and 1.3 rebounds.

Prior to his collegiate career, Johnson averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds and three blocked shots in his senior campaign at Elsinore High. He graduated high school as the nation's No. 22 power forward and No. 108 player overall, according to Rivals.com, and was given a grade of 93 (out of 100) by ESPN.

Before his time at Elsinore, Johnson played two seasons at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, and attended Morse High in San Diego as a junior. While in Canada, Johnson was an all-conference pick after averaging 16 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks as a sophomore and was a member of the Alberta Provincial Men's U-17 team in 2007 and 2008.